The medium of comics now seizes the public imagination like never before. The course tracks the history of the graphic novel, with an emphasis on contemporary work. How to read and interpret comics—and what this storytelling form teaches us about reading and looking. The word-and-image medium of comics as a narrative form. How to read comics—and what they teach us about reading—in addition to the creative practices that go into making them.

We will examine antecedents including “engraved novels,” newspaper comic strips, “wordless novels,” underground comic books, and punk fanzines to understand the graphic novel’s rise in the 1970s in addition to exploring current directions. Authors include Art Spiegelman, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, Joe Sacco, Lynda Barry, Gary Panter, Phoebe Gloeckner, Keiji Nakazawa, and Marjane Satrapi, among others. Will include visits from artists to discuss the craft of this verbal-visual form. No pre-requisites – open to all!

Summary Course Description:

Explores the word-and-image relationship in a narrative form. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to read comics—and what they teach us about reading—in addition to the creative practices that go into making them. Examines antecedents including “engraved novels,” newspaper comic strips, “wordless novels,” underground comic books, and punk fanzines to understand the graphic novel’s rise in the 1970s. Explores current directions in production. Includes visits from artists to discuss the craft of this verbal-visual form. ARTE 2301 and ENGL 2301 are cross-listed.

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